Today City Manager Pat West named Alejandrina “Alex” Basquez, as the City’s Human Resources Director. Ms. Basquez brings 26 years of professional experience in the public sector. The appointment will be effective September 8, 2015.

“Ms. Basquez has an extensive background in human resource management and she will be able to hit the ground running,” said Mr. West. “She also has valuable experience in labor relations that will be helpful in continuing our great working relationship with the City’s employee groups. Her commitment to public sector service and track record of implementing innovative human resource solutions will be a great addition to our City Management Team.”

Ms. Basquez has served as Assistant General Manager for the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department where she is currently responsible for overseeing a staff of 142 full-time employees and citywide programs, including employee benefits, deferred compensation, workers’ compensation benefits, occupational safety, and joint labor and management committees. Ms. Basquez is also currently responsible for the Personnel Department internal administrative and information systems support activities, and a department operating budget of $54 million and a benefits budget of $671 million.

“I am very excited at the opportunity to serve the Long Beach community and lead the Human Resource Department. I am looking forward to working with other City departments and supporting their workforce needs,” noted Ms. Basquez. “I believe human resource management is key to a City’s success because it can enable City departments to deliver programs and services in the most efficient manner possible, and provide a quality customer service experience for City residents.”

Ms. Basquez is replacing Deborah Mills, who will retire as Director of Human Resources on September 11, 2015. “I would also like to thank Debbie Mills for her exemplary service as Human Resources Director and commend her distinguished career with the City of Long Beach,” said Mr. West. “The City of Long Beach family is going to miss Debbie.”

Ms. Basquez received her MA degree from the University of Chicago, and BA degree from the University of California, Irvine. She is originally from Long Beach and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. She currently resides in Long Beach with her family.